The Year of the Tyrant
Part Four: Fading Into Gray
NOTE: READ AFTER PART ONE: EQUALLY AMBITIOUS; PART TWO: HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT; AND PART THREE: WHAT FRIENDS WOULDN'T DO
ALSO NOTE: I'm dedicating Parts 3 and 4 to my new friend Sara, just because I know she's about ready to murder me for not letting her read them when I had them finished. So, I figure, to make it up to her, I should dedicate parts 3 and 4 to her. This is for you, Sara! =P
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"You did what?" Six people stood staring in shock at T.J. Detweiler on one life-altering Wednesday. As expected, T.J.'s friends were not taking well to the news. T.J. had recently challenged the playground king, Alex the Great Gehrke, to a free-for-all deathmatch, the prizes at stake being the rule of the playground and the possession of one of T.J.'s best friends and his crush, Ashley Spinelli.
She was among his friends that stood open-mouthed and wide-eyed. It seemed to be taking a moment for the full weight of T.J.'s wager to take its toll on her as she just looked at him with a stare that told T.J. as plain as day she thought he was crazy.
"I'm sorry, Spinelli, but I had to trap him somehow," T.J. apologized, feeling that Spinelli would be mad at him because he had included her in his bet. She was not, however; she was more mad at him because he'd made the bet at all.
"Are you nuts?" Jenna Platt spoke for Spinelli and all the rest of T.J.'s friends. "T.J., you know as well as the rest of us that King Alex can and will clobber you."
"Well, sure, he's the one with the brute strength, but I bet he doesn't have the streetsmarts I've got," T.J. boasted.
"T.J. does have a point," Gretchen Grundler agreed.
"Besides, it was a chance I had to take. I mean, nobody wants him on the throne anymore, so I figure why don't I get rid of him if no one else will?"
"Stop acting like you're so brave," Spinelli said darkly. "You are not that brave, T.J. Detweiler." She folded her arms across her chest, worry barely showing through her anger as she stomped away. T.J. looked after her, feeling as though he'd just been punched full force in the stomach. His friends looked at each other and shrugged.
"What was that all about?" Gus Griswold asked.
"I think Spinelli's worried," Mikey Blumberg replied. "She's worried about T.J., and she's afraid to admit it."
"Well, she doesn't have to worry about me," T.J. replied. "I'm gonna beat Alex." He gulped. "I hope."
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Ashley Spinelli, afraid for T.J. Detweiler's life, fled to the bathroom shortly after T.J. had given his friends the lowdown on what he had done. She knew that the chance her stocky friend stood against the tall, trim sixth-grader that was King Alex were immensely unfavorable, and moreover, she didn't want to be separated from T.J. yet another time. "It'd be murder on my soul," she thought to herself, gazing at her dark hair and eyes in the mirror. She propped her arms on the sink and switched on the water, splashing some on her distressed face.
"Spinelli?" A high-pitched girl's voice piped as the door to the bathroom opened and in came Jenna Platt. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Spinelli replied, her voice cracking. She turned to look at her red-headed friend, who stood in the doorway, an expression of concern shining visibly in her hazel-green eyes. "He's so stupid," Spinelli declared, turning back to the mirror and wiping away the droplets of water on her face.
"He did it within good reason," Jenna defended, coming over to Spinelli and pulling herself up on one of the sinks. "He doesn't want the playground to go to pieces more than it already is."
"But if he doesn't win, it's gonna be more chaos than now," Spinelli pointed out. "And his chances aren't very good."
"I know they're not," Jenna agreed. She looked sadly subdued for a moment. "Gotta have hope, though, right?" She quoted T.J.'s speech from the first day of school. Spinelli too remembered, and the corners of her carmine lips turned up slightly in a forced smile.
"I guess," Spinelli replied, staring at the inside of her sink.
"You know he did it for you," Jenna stated, a hint of envy mixed amongst the certainty of her voice. Spinelli looked up at her friend with confused dark eyes, begging Jenna to continue although Spinelli herself spoke no words. "He challenged Alex to take him off the throne to win your heart. To prove he's good enough for you."
"To prove he's good enough for me? It should be the other way around," Spinelli murmured.
"Don't put yourself down, Spinelli," Jenna told her friend. "Anyway, there's something about a guy, you know, in some stage of their minds, that makes them feel they have to compete for the woman they love." She blushed slightly, thinking of Mikey. Spinelli still didn't know about Jenna's recent crush, but Jenna had a feeling it would all come out today. "Except, T.J. knows that Alex is nuts about you." Spinelli looked shocked. "Believe it. T.J. told me he thought so, and I agree with him.
"Well, T.J. doesn't want to lose you to his enemy without a fight, so that's why he did it. And that's why he added you to his bet."
"But why, though?" Spinelli wondered aloud.
"Because he loves you, Spinelli," Jenna replied matter-of-factly. "Duh!"
"He, um, I think I should tell you what happened in my room last Wednesday," Spinelli began softly, biting her lip.
"You didn't kiss him, did you?" Jenna asked interestedly, eyes bright.
"No," Spinelli replied, as though she loathed the fact that she didn't. "It was like this. I was half asleep, and I was asking him all these questions, and I think I asked him if he loved me." She paused, and Jenna allowed herself a small gasp.
"What'd he say?" she chided.
"He said yes," she recalled, and then looked back into the sink. "Or it could have been all in my head." Jenna smiled.
"There's only one way to know for sure," she replied. "Ask him again."
"What?" Spinelli demanded. "No!"
"Fine, but then you'll probably never know," Jenna warned, the smile still frozen on her lips. Spinelli rolled her eyes.
"I can deal."
"Sure you can," Jenna replied sarcastically. The two sat in silence for a few moments before Jenna spoke again. "Spinelli? Can I ask you something?"
"Yeah?"
"How'd you know that T.J. was the one?" Spinelli thought for a moment, then spoke again.
"I can't explain it. I just knew. Maybe it was kissing him, maybe it was something else. Maybe it's just because he's T.J., and everybody - everybody - loves T.J. in some way. Well, maybe not Gordy, but otherwise." Spinelli recalled an incident in fourth grade when T.J. had found out that Gordy, a kid from his class, didn't like him.
"What about Mikey?" The words came out of Jenna's mouth before she could stop them. Spinelli's eyebrows raised expectantly.
"Are you going after Mikey?" Spinelli asked. Jenna nodded. Spinelli thought for a moment before speaking. "Not a bad choice." Jenna grinned widely.
"I sure hope so," she replied. The two girls smiled at each other as they left the bathroom.
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There were people that had been quick to tell King Alex "the Great" Gehrke that they thought he was insane. After all, he was a political genius and a madman at the same time.
Playground war was Alex's passion, his goal in life, and to go to war and win was such an added sweetness. Now Alex's greatest deal had unfolded before his eyes, his disposition brighter still, because it was practically a guaranteed victory. It would be a wonderful day.
Alex pictured it in his mind as clear as he allowed himself to. He would watch as his arch-nemesis, T.J. Detweiler, crumbled and succumbed to Alex, regarding him as all powerful - indeed the best. A smile spread across Alex's boyish lips as he imagined T.J. watching in horror, his heart shattering painfully, as Alex kissed the black-haired beauty and prize that was Ashley Spinelli. Alex wanted nothing more than the satisfaction that would come when T.J.'s best friend and secret love Spinelli would be Alex's.
Now it was going to happen, for it was T.J. that threw Spinelli into the deal.
Maybe, he thought, if Spinelli cooperates, he'd think about letting T.J. go off without punishment. No…what? Was he crazy? Of course he was going to punish T.J. His grin spread wider as he thought of this. Maybe he was crazy… but Alex was excited.
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T.J. Detweiler, for once in his life, was worried out of his wits, not only for himself, but for Ashley Spinelli and what would happen to her when he failed to win against King Alex. In every truth, T.J. was not at all optimistic. He'd felt an ominous doom settling in ever since Alex had uttered the words "you've got yourself a deal".
Spinelli's angry revelation hurt T.J. more than he cared to admit, although he believed Mikey Blumberg when he'd said that Spinelli was just concerned and showing it the only way she could. But when Spinelli was upset, T.J. couldn't feel better about himself.
He almost wanted to run up and hug both Spinelli and Jenna Platt when they returned from the bathroom. Spinelli seemed considerably happier, and seeing her slight smile made T.J. not only feel a small hope, but a warmth that melted his fear-frozen heart.
"Are you okay, Spin?" he asked her. She folded her arms across her chest, a peeved look smothering her smile.
"You're nuts," she declared, somewhat angrily. T.J. was slightly taken aback. "Why'd you do it, T.J.?"
"I had to," T.J. defended. "I have to kick him off the throne somehow."
"Why you?" she pushed, as their friends surrounded the two and listened in silently on their conversation.
"Because I'm the only one who can," T.J. explained.
"No, you aren't," Spinelli protested. "There's a lot of other kids out there that could do it."
"Okay, but I'm the only one with guts enough to. I'm the only one who will." T.J. looked deeply into her eyes, trying to convince her that what he had done was for the best.
"But if you lose, Teej," Spinelli began in a plea.
"I'll make sure I don't," T.J. assured.
"But-"
"Spin," T.J. stopped her sternly, putting his hands comfortingly on her shoulders. "Even if I lose, I'll make sure he doesn't do anything to hurt you. I won't let him. I can't let him." Spinelli smiled softly, more confident than she'd ever been about the challenge. To her left, Jenna also smiled, knowing that T.J.'s feelings were finally showing through.
"I want you to win," she whispered before shocking all of her friends and T.J. by wrapping her arms around him in an afraid hug. He returned the hug gently, caressing her small body in an effort to cheer her. Their friends stood, mouths open, in a disbelieving stare as the world around the two disappeared for a moment, and for that instant in time, all that existed was the other.
When she finally let go, T.J. was lost in her eyes again. "I'm going to," he spoke, softly, because his words were meant for only her ears. "For you."
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"Transformation complete," Ashley Quindlen reported in a shout from the top tires of the Ashley clubhouse. She handed a pair of expensive designer binoculars to Ashley Tomassian who set them in their case.
"Excellent," Ashley Armbruster replied delightedly. She turned to a purple calendar with a pink pen. "Girls, you know what this means?"
"Operation Lovebirds?" Ashley Boulet suggested.
"Right," Ashley A replied, circling the Friday two days from that Wednesday. "It's only a matter of time."
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"Jenna," a boy's voice called after Jenna Platt as she walked solo toward her house after school that Wednesday. Jenna turned to look. Approaching her was Mikey Blumberg, her first crush. Jenna felt her heart squeeze up inside her chest and her breath stop as she could feel herself turning white with anxiety.
"Hey Mikey," Jenna acknowledged weakly, waiting patiently for her large, blonde, fifth-grade friend to catch up to her.
"I thought maybe we could walk home together," Mikey suggested hopefully.
"What?" Jenna joked. "No verse?"
"Naw," Mikey replied. He looked unusually afraid. "Something's been bothering me."
"You want to talk about it?" Jenna asked gently.
"It's T.J.," Mikey continued worriedly. "I-I'm worried about him." Jenna smiled softly and patted Mikey supportively on the shoulder.
"I think we all are, Mikey," Jenna comforted.
"You don't understand, Jenna," he insisted. "It's more than that. I'm not worried about T.J. losing - knowing him there's no way he can lose - I'm worried about… about what's going to happen between him and Spinelli when he wins."
"Huh?" Jenna was genuinely confused.
"T.J.'s a rookie at love. Spinelli is his first crush. He's not going to know how to take it slow enough to, umm, not be reckless."
"Who's to say that Spinelli won't know any better, either?"
"I just don't want him to break her heart."
"Are you questioning whether or not T.J.'s going to be loyal?" Jenna inquired, choking back a goodnatured laugh.
"No-I just…" Mikey took a deep breath. "I'm bitter," he explained. "I used to love Spinelli." Jenna felt as though her heart had smashed into a billion pieces, and what she felt inside must have been written across her face. Mikey read her expression and continued to speak. "I used to. I let go of her when I saw her kiss T.J. the first time, but I never really got over it… I just want to make sure she's loved." Jenna was smiling.
"Mikey, you don't have to worry. T.J. is positively, hopelessly in love with her. He'll make sure she gets all the love she needs." Somehow Jenna knew she'd said the right thing, even though it sounded like she hadn't.
Mikey smiled at his small friend. "This feels like junior high school," he said. Jenna giggled.
"C'mon, Mikey. Let's go home. Then maybe tomorrow you'll start talking in verse again." The two friends headed home, the golden orb of the sun shining at their backs.
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"See you tomorrow, Gretch!" T.J. Detweiler and Ashley Spinelli called in unison after Gretchen Grundler that same Wednesday. Needing to have a private talk just between the two of them, they sat down together on Spinelli's front porch.
"You afraid?" Spinelli asked, turning to stare into his deep, light blue eyes.
"Sort of," T.J. replied. "I'm mostly afraid I'll lose you." T.J. realized what he'd said an instant too late. Spinelli's features expressed a sort of soft shock.
"You-"
"Yeah, I dunno what I'd do without you," T.J. admitted before Spinelli could remind him of what he'd said. "You've been there for me a lot."
"Not as much as you've been there for me," Spinelli insisted. "Look, T.J., there's something I've been meaning to say to you for a while, and now that we're alone, now might be the best time." She took a deep breath, and let her emotions spill out.
"You-you mean everything to me!" she burst out, the tears starting to come. "Absolutely everything! I'm just so scared of losing you… I never, ever want to be away from you again!" She was flooding over with tears now, the added stress of their fifth grade year all coming out. Knowing that his questions on whether or not Spinelli loved him had been answered positively, T.J. gathered her into his arms and let her cry.
"Haven't I already told you," he assured gently, "that I'm going to win? There's nothing and nobody that'll ever keep us apart again. Especially not when I feel this way about you."
Spinelli already knew how he felt about her, but she needed the words. "How…?"
"I love you, Spinelli," he whispered adoringly. Her grin was as bright as daylight.
"Are you trying to make me cry some more, Teej?" she asked, obviously choked up.
"Not on purpose, no," he replied, also grinning. And then before either knew what was happening, they were leaning in towards each other, their eyes just closed, when suddenly-
"Oh, Pookie!" Flo Spinelli called. The two jumped, startled, and separated sheepishly.
"Leave it to Mother to ruin our moment," Spinelli muttered angrily.
"I take that back," T.J. agreed. "The only thing that'll keep us apart is our parents."
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T.J. would never in his entire lifetime forget that moment. He had confessed to Spinelli his deepest secret and in return had almost experienced the second kiss in his life. He now knew that there was hope - hope that someday soon Ashley Spinelli would become more than a friend to him.
Or was she already? It was hard for T.J. to say. To him, the chemistry from her seemed almost identically the same, although he sensed a new twist. A weak twist.
T.J. knew Spinelli hated flimsy, weak girly-girls and wanted never to be one, but T.J. had noticed a slight change in her when he was near her. She didn't act passive by any means, and it was hard for T.J. to put his finger exactly on her change. Eventually he concluded that he sensed the change in her because she wasn't always strong all the time, and during the times when she wasn't, she needed someone to be strong for her. T.J. knew that Spinelli had finally given him this opportunity, and he relished it.
T.J. no longer cared what people would think of him because he had prematurely fallen in love. At that moment in time, the only two things he cared about were Ashley Spinelli, and winning her from his enemy.
Speaking of his enemy, King Alex was quiet these days. T.J. figured he was planning strategy, but he couldn't be too certain. King Alex was a draw-bag, and T.J. hoped that this time he'd get a good prize.
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The first feeling Ashley Spinelli had when she woke up that ominous Friday morning that she had gone back to her old habit of wetting her bed. She sat up, her bed sheets damp, and realized that she was drenched in a cold sweat. Oh yes, she was definitely afraid.
What was going to happen to T.J.? What was going to happen to her? Was the beginning between T.J. and herself coming to an abrupt ending? Spinelli hoped not, although she knew hoping was a petty thing.
No, it wouldn't be hope that would deliver her and T.J. from the clutches of King Alex. Everything now rested on T.J. Detweiler's shoulders, and everything was too much for the two of them to lose.
Another thought found its way into Spinelli's mind. What about the rest of them? If T.J. lost, what kind of torture would Alex get away with putting her friends through? Spinelli couldn't help but feel that the events leading up to the battle were all her fault, just because Alex was in "love" with her.
That was another thing all by itself. Jenna had said something with much dignity about Alex "being nuts" for her. Part of Spinelli wouldn't believe it, but part of her saw the logic behind the thinking that Jenna claimed was also T.J.'s. Spinelli knew how people could be; they expressed their love in forms of hate. And hadn't Alex been compassionate toward her once or twice. Spinelli inwardly knew that Alex wasn't a bad person, he was just… misguided.
A lot like her. In her own way, Spinelli was a lost child desperately searching for someone to latch herself onto so that she wouldn't become a nobody in her future. What better person to cling to than T.J.? The boy was definitely going places, that was for sure. He had big dreams, and all the better, bigger ways to make those dreams reality.
I wonder if I'm one of his dreams, Spinelli found herself pondering, as she stared at herself in the mirror. And if I am, will he have enough ambition to make me his reality? He'd said it, she knew. He'd said he loved her, and she couldn't ask for more.
Actually, she thought, smiling sorrowfully, I'd make it so my mom didn't interrupt us… Of all the crazy, messed-up things that had gone before in the year, Spinelli only knew one thing: her love for T.J. was no longer unrequited.
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T.J., Spinelli, Jenna, and Mikey walked to school together the next day, early enough so that they'd have enough time to talk over T.J.'s strategy. The fight was not to be a fist fight by any means. It was Spinelli who had given them the idea of arm-wrestling to determine the winner. Both parties, T.J. and King Alex, agreed, because neither of them wanted to get expelled for fighting again.
In all honesty, T.J. didn't have a strategy. It was arm-wrestling. There was no way to have a strategy, save for using all of one's strength to push down the opponent's hand to the table.
He felt lucky, though, to have the master of arm-wrestlers on his team. Spinelli talked his ear off the whole way to school (to T.J. she seemed a little more than nervous) about the different techniques of arm-wrestling and which worked the best for her, when T.J. gently put his hand on her shoulder and asked her if he could just beat Alex his own way.
He could tell it calmed her, just his touch, and it felt nice to be cared for in the style that Spinelli was at this very moment. He knew, instantly at that pivotal moment in time, that things were changed between himself and Spinelli. They were no longer just friends.
He thought the same for Jenna and Mikey, whom he caught giving each other sideways glances the whole way to school. It made him want to smile, want to congratulate the both of them on finally knowing just how he felt when he thought about Spinelli. It was adolescence for the four of them, and no matter what, they'd be there for each other to face it together.
The four entered the playground, meeting Gretchen and Gus by the picnic tables. Vince arrived a few minutes later, and the seven of them sat together in silence for a few minutes before T.J. finally spoke.
"I guess this is it, huh? No turning back after this." The group murmured their replies, and there was silence again between them for the next moment.
"Good luck, T.J.," Jenna said softly.
"We're all pulling for you," Vince assured.
"We know you can do it," Gus piped.
"Win or lose, we'll know you've done your best," Gretchen added.
"And you'll still be our leader no matter what," Mikey agreed.
"And you'll still be our friend," Spinelli concluded, with a warm smile, a loving sparkle in her dark eyes. Then there was silence again. There was nothing left to be said.
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King Alex, Irwin Lawson, and Randall Weems arrived together a few minutes later, but since the arm-wrestling match was not until the 10 am recess, they headed to the throne.
Alex fully realized, as he sat down, that this could possibly be his last time sitting on the throne. Not that he was really worried, because he was positive he could beat T.J. Detweiler without difficulty, and certain he could even beat Spinelli.
"Your highness, what would you like us to do with Detweiler and his friends after he loses?" Randall asked.
"I haven't won yet," Alex snapped softly.
"Sorry sir, but are you having doubts that you-"
"I am having no such thoughts! I've won, but it isn't official yet," Alex rephrased. Lawson grinned.
"So what do you want us to do with them?" Randall probed.
"For starters, I want Platt to become the personal slave of either of you. You can fight over her."
"Dibs!" Lawson called before Randall could speak.
"Very good, Irwin," Alex praised dully. "That dorky kid with the crewcut and the big one you can let be. They're both too weak to think for themselves, and they fully rely on Detweiler."
"And the others?" Randall pressed.
"Grundler, that smart one, I want you to make sure that she's assigned to work with the office boy and is not seen on my playground for the rest of the year. Make the jock become one of my bodyguards."
Randall rubbed his hands together. "And what about Detweiler and Spinelli?"
"I want you to hold Detweiler in captivity and make sure he isn't released from the dungeon I made for him until recess is over." Alex grinned nastily. "As for Spinelli, I'll do what I like with her."
"Which would be what?" Lawson asked.
"I'm going to make her love me," Alex said evilly. "Somehow, I'll make her fall so madly in love with me she won't be able to stand it." Lawson and Randall exchanged disgusted glances. Since Alex had been on the throne, the two who had once been enemies had become good friends.
"This is going to be sweet," Lawson cackled.
"Well said, Irwin," Alex agreed.
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Ten o'clock recess rolled around on that overcast Friday. T.J. and company were the first ones at the picnic tables where the contest was to be held, following them closely was the mass of kids who were eager to watch the competition. Five minutes into recess, Alex, flanked by Lawson and Randall, arrived late in a cocky manner.
"Alright, Detweiler," Alex said. "I'll make it painless for you. You can give up now, without the shame of losing."
"Giving up now is more shameful that losing," T.J. growled determinedly, propping his right elbow up on the table.
"Then I do believe this match will continue," Alex replied.
"I'm ready," T.J. agreed. "Let's get it on." The boys locked hands. Lawson and Spinelli had been chosen by their teams to serve as joint referees.
"Go!" they shouted together, and almost immediately, everyone thought it was over.
Alex had pushed T.J.'s arm almost completely to the table. Horrorstruck, the kids on T.J.'s side held their breath. Mikey, who was perplexed at the sight, suddenly felt someone's tiny hand slip into his own. He glanced at Jenna, whose hand he was now holding, and smiled despite his fear.
Meanwhile, T.J. was struggling, but he wasn't giving up. This was to be the most important battle in his life. The prize was something he wanted and loved more than life itself. He thought of Spinelli, standing to his left, watching worriedly, and how he loved her anyway she was. With renewed energy, T.J. fought back and had pushed Alex's arm into the starting position.
Here they remained, both pushing with all their strength, for several minutes, until T.J. could feel his arm starting to give. It wouldn't be long, if he didn't strike quickly, before he went down.
With his final burst of energy, T.J. gritted his teeth and slowly but surely pushed Alex's arm toward his side of the table. He could feel Alex's returned struggle, but Alex's strength couldn't suppress T.J.'s mad desire to win. With one final push from T.J., it was all over.
The cheers went up from all around the picnic table as Alex's arm was flattened against the table. "T.J., you did it!" T.J. heard Spinelli scream amidst the other noise, and stared disbelievingly at his right arm. He'd done it. He'd won. The rule of the playground was his, but more importantly, he'd saved Spinelli.
He felt Spinelli grab his wrist and pull his right arm into the air, increasing the volume of the cheers from the kids gathered around increased. Standing up, T.J. raised his other arm before wrapping Spinelli into a tender embrace. He looked into her chocolate brown eyes, shining with more happiness than he'd ever seen, and was just about to kiss her when he felt himself being raised into the air.
Mikey Blumberg was putting T.J. and Spinelli onto his shoulders, while the kids just screamed louder. Alex watched, half bitterly, half disbelievingly, as T.J. accepted the crown and the rule of the playground while seated atop the shoulders of one of his best friends.
The torrent of kids formed a parade as they followed Mikey, still serving as a chair for T.J. and Spinelli, back to the throne. As the kids watched, their cheers still not silencing, T.J. Detweiler took the throne.
"I'm so happy for you, T.J.," Spinelli whispered softly, barely audible through the noise.
"I'm so happy for us, Spin," he replied. "Cause, if you want to, I want to make you the queen." Spinelli looked up at him, a bright sparkle shining in her eyes.
"For real?"
"Would I lie?"
"I dunno. Would you?" she asked jokingly. Instead of replying, he just leaned in toward her, trying once again to kiss her.
"No way," Gretchen's voice came. "This isn't what I think it is, is it?"
T.J. and Spinelli just smiled. "We found a pot of gold at the end of our rainbow," T.J. explained, and then, without interruption this time, the two closed their eyes, their lips met, and they shared their second ever kiss, producing smiles from their friends and (almost) all that saw them.
"This really is a fairy tale, isn't it?" Spinelli commented after she broke away from T.J.
"Yes, Spinderella," T.J. replied lovingly. Spinelli broke out into a huge grin. Yes, everything was going to be okay.
THE END OF THE BEGINNING
© KD WILD 2001. All Rights Reserved.
Part Four: Fading Into Gray
NOTE: READ AFTER PART ONE: EQUALLY AMBITIOUS; PART TWO: HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT; AND PART THREE: WHAT FRIENDS WOULDN'T DO
ALSO NOTE: I'm dedicating Parts 3 and 4 to my new friend Sara, just because I know she's about ready to murder me for not letting her read them when I had them finished. So, I figure, to make it up to her, I should dedicate parts 3 and 4 to her. This is for you, Sara! =P
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"You did what?" Six people stood staring in shock at T.J. Detweiler on one life-altering Wednesday. As expected, T.J.'s friends were not taking well to the news. T.J. had recently challenged the playground king, Alex the Great Gehrke, to a free-for-all deathmatch, the prizes at stake being the rule of the playground and the possession of one of T.J.'s best friends and his crush, Ashley Spinelli.
She was among his friends that stood open-mouthed and wide-eyed. It seemed to be taking a moment for the full weight of T.J.'s wager to take its toll on her as she just looked at him with a stare that told T.J. as plain as day she thought he was crazy.
"I'm sorry, Spinelli, but I had to trap him somehow," T.J. apologized, feeling that Spinelli would be mad at him because he had included her in his bet. She was not, however; she was more mad at him because he'd made the bet at all.
"Are you nuts?" Jenna Platt spoke for Spinelli and all the rest of T.J.'s friends. "T.J., you know as well as the rest of us that King Alex can and will clobber you."
"Well, sure, he's the one with the brute strength, but I bet he doesn't have the streetsmarts I've got," T.J. boasted.
"T.J. does have a point," Gretchen Grundler agreed.
"Besides, it was a chance I had to take. I mean, nobody wants him on the throne anymore, so I figure why don't I get rid of him if no one else will?"
"Stop acting like you're so brave," Spinelli said darkly. "You are not that brave, T.J. Detweiler." She folded her arms across her chest, worry barely showing through her anger as she stomped away. T.J. looked after her, feeling as though he'd just been punched full force in the stomach. His friends looked at each other and shrugged.
"What was that all about?" Gus Griswold asked.
"I think Spinelli's worried," Mikey Blumberg replied. "She's worried about T.J., and she's afraid to admit it."
"Well, she doesn't have to worry about me," T.J. replied. "I'm gonna beat Alex." He gulped. "I hope."
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Ashley Spinelli, afraid for T.J. Detweiler's life, fled to the bathroom shortly after T.J. had given his friends the lowdown on what he had done. She knew that the chance her stocky friend stood against the tall, trim sixth-grader that was King Alex were immensely unfavorable, and moreover, she didn't want to be separated from T.J. yet another time. "It'd be murder on my soul," she thought to herself, gazing at her dark hair and eyes in the mirror. She propped her arms on the sink and switched on the water, splashing some on her distressed face.
"Spinelli?" A high-pitched girl's voice piped as the door to the bathroom opened and in came Jenna Platt. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Spinelli replied, her voice cracking. She turned to look at her red-headed friend, who stood in the doorway, an expression of concern shining visibly in her hazel-green eyes. "He's so stupid," Spinelli declared, turning back to the mirror and wiping away the droplets of water on her face.
"He did it within good reason," Jenna defended, coming over to Spinelli and pulling herself up on one of the sinks. "He doesn't want the playground to go to pieces more than it already is."
"But if he doesn't win, it's gonna be more chaos than now," Spinelli pointed out. "And his chances aren't very good."
"I know they're not," Jenna agreed. She looked sadly subdued for a moment. "Gotta have hope, though, right?" She quoted T.J.'s speech from the first day of school. Spinelli too remembered, and the corners of her carmine lips turned up slightly in a forced smile.
"I guess," Spinelli replied, staring at the inside of her sink.
"You know he did it for you," Jenna stated, a hint of envy mixed amongst the certainty of her voice. Spinelli looked up at her friend with confused dark eyes, begging Jenna to continue although Spinelli herself spoke no words. "He challenged Alex to take him off the throne to win your heart. To prove he's good enough for you."
"To prove he's good enough for me? It should be the other way around," Spinelli murmured.
"Don't put yourself down, Spinelli," Jenna told her friend. "Anyway, there's something about a guy, you know, in some stage of their minds, that makes them feel they have to compete for the woman they love." She blushed slightly, thinking of Mikey. Spinelli still didn't know about Jenna's recent crush, but Jenna had a feeling it would all come out today. "Except, T.J. knows that Alex is nuts about you." Spinelli looked shocked. "Believe it. T.J. told me he thought so, and I agree with him.
"Well, T.J. doesn't want to lose you to his enemy without a fight, so that's why he did it. And that's why he added you to his bet."
"But why, though?" Spinelli wondered aloud.
"Because he loves you, Spinelli," Jenna replied matter-of-factly. "Duh!"
"He, um, I think I should tell you what happened in my room last Wednesday," Spinelli began softly, biting her lip.
"You didn't kiss him, did you?" Jenna asked interestedly, eyes bright.
"No," Spinelli replied, as though she loathed the fact that she didn't. "It was like this. I was half asleep, and I was asking him all these questions, and I think I asked him if he loved me." She paused, and Jenna allowed herself a small gasp.
"What'd he say?" she chided.
"He said yes," she recalled, and then looked back into the sink. "Or it could have been all in my head." Jenna smiled.
"There's only one way to know for sure," she replied. "Ask him again."
"What?" Spinelli demanded. "No!"
"Fine, but then you'll probably never know," Jenna warned, the smile still frozen on her lips. Spinelli rolled her eyes.
"I can deal."
"Sure you can," Jenna replied sarcastically. The two sat in silence for a few moments before Jenna spoke again. "Spinelli? Can I ask you something?"
"Yeah?"
"How'd you know that T.J. was the one?" Spinelli thought for a moment, then spoke again.
"I can't explain it. I just knew. Maybe it was kissing him, maybe it was something else. Maybe it's just because he's T.J., and everybody - everybody - loves T.J. in some way. Well, maybe not Gordy, but otherwise." Spinelli recalled an incident in fourth grade when T.J. had found out that Gordy, a kid from his class, didn't like him.
"What about Mikey?" The words came out of Jenna's mouth before she could stop them. Spinelli's eyebrows raised expectantly.
"Are you going after Mikey?" Spinelli asked. Jenna nodded. Spinelli thought for a moment before speaking. "Not a bad choice." Jenna grinned widely.
"I sure hope so," she replied. The two girls smiled at each other as they left the bathroom.
______________________________________________________________
There were people that had been quick to tell King Alex "the Great" Gehrke that they thought he was insane. After all, he was a political genius and a madman at the same time.
Playground war was Alex's passion, his goal in life, and to go to war and win was such an added sweetness. Now Alex's greatest deal had unfolded before his eyes, his disposition brighter still, because it was practically a guaranteed victory. It would be a wonderful day.
Alex pictured it in his mind as clear as he allowed himself to. He would watch as his arch-nemesis, T.J. Detweiler, crumbled and succumbed to Alex, regarding him as all powerful - indeed the best. A smile spread across Alex's boyish lips as he imagined T.J. watching in horror, his heart shattering painfully, as Alex kissed the black-haired beauty and prize that was Ashley Spinelli. Alex wanted nothing more than the satisfaction that would come when T.J.'s best friend and secret love Spinelli would be Alex's.
Now it was going to happen, for it was T.J. that threw Spinelli into the deal.
Maybe, he thought, if Spinelli cooperates, he'd think about letting T.J. go off without punishment. No…what? Was he crazy? Of course he was going to punish T.J. His grin spread wider as he thought of this. Maybe he was crazy… but Alex was excited.
______________________________________________________________
T.J. Detweiler, for once in his life, was worried out of his wits, not only for himself, but for Ashley Spinelli and what would happen to her when he failed to win against King Alex. In every truth, T.J. was not at all optimistic. He'd felt an ominous doom settling in ever since Alex had uttered the words "you've got yourself a deal".
Spinelli's angry revelation hurt T.J. more than he cared to admit, although he believed Mikey Blumberg when he'd said that Spinelli was just concerned and showing it the only way she could. But when Spinelli was upset, T.J. couldn't feel better about himself.
He almost wanted to run up and hug both Spinelli and Jenna Platt when they returned from the bathroom. Spinelli seemed considerably happier, and seeing her slight smile made T.J. not only feel a small hope, but a warmth that melted his fear-frozen heart.
"Are you okay, Spin?" he asked her. She folded her arms across her chest, a peeved look smothering her smile.
"You're nuts," she declared, somewhat angrily. T.J. was slightly taken aback. "Why'd you do it, T.J.?"
"I had to," T.J. defended. "I have to kick him off the throne somehow."
"Why you?" she pushed, as their friends surrounded the two and listened in silently on their conversation.
"Because I'm the only one who can," T.J. explained.
"No, you aren't," Spinelli protested. "There's a lot of other kids out there that could do it."
"Okay, but I'm the only one with guts enough to. I'm the only one who will." T.J. looked deeply into her eyes, trying to convince her that what he had done was for the best.
"But if you lose, Teej," Spinelli began in a plea.
"I'll make sure I don't," T.J. assured.
"But-"
"Spin," T.J. stopped her sternly, putting his hands comfortingly on her shoulders. "Even if I lose, I'll make sure he doesn't do anything to hurt you. I won't let him. I can't let him." Spinelli smiled softly, more confident than she'd ever been about the challenge. To her left, Jenna also smiled, knowing that T.J.'s feelings were finally showing through.
"I want you to win," she whispered before shocking all of her friends and T.J. by wrapping her arms around him in an afraid hug. He returned the hug gently, caressing her small body in an effort to cheer her. Their friends stood, mouths open, in a disbelieving stare as the world around the two disappeared for a moment, and for that instant in time, all that existed was the other.
When she finally let go, T.J. was lost in her eyes again. "I'm going to," he spoke, softly, because his words were meant for only her ears. "For you."
______________________________________________________________
"Transformation complete," Ashley Quindlen reported in a shout from the top tires of the Ashley clubhouse. She handed a pair of expensive designer binoculars to Ashley Tomassian who set them in their case.
"Excellent," Ashley Armbruster replied delightedly. She turned to a purple calendar with a pink pen. "Girls, you know what this means?"
"Operation Lovebirds?" Ashley Boulet suggested.
"Right," Ashley A replied, circling the Friday two days from that Wednesday. "It's only a matter of time."
______________________________________________________________
"Jenna," a boy's voice called after Jenna Platt as she walked solo toward her house after school that Wednesday. Jenna turned to look. Approaching her was Mikey Blumberg, her first crush. Jenna felt her heart squeeze up inside her chest and her breath stop as she could feel herself turning white with anxiety.
"Hey Mikey," Jenna acknowledged weakly, waiting patiently for her large, blonde, fifth-grade friend to catch up to her.
"I thought maybe we could walk home together," Mikey suggested hopefully.
"What?" Jenna joked. "No verse?"
"Naw," Mikey replied. He looked unusually afraid. "Something's been bothering me."
"You want to talk about it?" Jenna asked gently.
"It's T.J.," Mikey continued worriedly. "I-I'm worried about him." Jenna smiled softly and patted Mikey supportively on the shoulder.
"I think we all are, Mikey," Jenna comforted.
"You don't understand, Jenna," he insisted. "It's more than that. I'm not worried about T.J. losing - knowing him there's no way he can lose - I'm worried about… about what's going to happen between him and Spinelli when he wins."
"Huh?" Jenna was genuinely confused.
"T.J.'s a rookie at love. Spinelli is his first crush. He's not going to know how to take it slow enough to, umm, not be reckless."
"Who's to say that Spinelli won't know any better, either?"
"I just don't want him to break her heart."
"Are you questioning whether or not T.J.'s going to be loyal?" Jenna inquired, choking back a goodnatured laugh.
"No-I just…" Mikey took a deep breath. "I'm bitter," he explained. "I used to love Spinelli." Jenna felt as though her heart had smashed into a billion pieces, and what she felt inside must have been written across her face. Mikey read her expression and continued to speak. "I used to. I let go of her when I saw her kiss T.J. the first time, but I never really got over it… I just want to make sure she's loved." Jenna was smiling.
"Mikey, you don't have to worry. T.J. is positively, hopelessly in love with her. He'll make sure she gets all the love she needs." Somehow Jenna knew she'd said the right thing, even though it sounded like she hadn't.
Mikey smiled at his small friend. "This feels like junior high school," he said. Jenna giggled.
"C'mon, Mikey. Let's go home. Then maybe tomorrow you'll start talking in verse again." The two friends headed home, the golden orb of the sun shining at their backs.
______________________________________________________________
"See you tomorrow, Gretch!" T.J. Detweiler and Ashley Spinelli called in unison after Gretchen Grundler that same Wednesday. Needing to have a private talk just between the two of them, they sat down together on Spinelli's front porch.
"You afraid?" Spinelli asked, turning to stare into his deep, light blue eyes.
"Sort of," T.J. replied. "I'm mostly afraid I'll lose you." T.J. realized what he'd said an instant too late. Spinelli's features expressed a sort of soft shock.
"You-"
"Yeah, I dunno what I'd do without you," T.J. admitted before Spinelli could remind him of what he'd said. "You've been there for me a lot."
"Not as much as you've been there for me," Spinelli insisted. "Look, T.J., there's something I've been meaning to say to you for a while, and now that we're alone, now might be the best time." She took a deep breath, and let her emotions spill out.
"You-you mean everything to me!" she burst out, the tears starting to come. "Absolutely everything! I'm just so scared of losing you… I never, ever want to be away from you again!" She was flooding over with tears now, the added stress of their fifth grade year all coming out. Knowing that his questions on whether or not Spinelli loved him had been answered positively, T.J. gathered her into his arms and let her cry.
"Haven't I already told you," he assured gently, "that I'm going to win? There's nothing and nobody that'll ever keep us apart again. Especially not when I feel this way about you."
Spinelli already knew how he felt about her, but she needed the words. "How…?"
"I love you, Spinelli," he whispered adoringly. Her grin was as bright as daylight.
"Are you trying to make me cry some more, Teej?" she asked, obviously choked up.
"Not on purpose, no," he replied, also grinning. And then before either knew what was happening, they were leaning in towards each other, their eyes just closed, when suddenly-
"Oh, Pookie!" Flo Spinelli called. The two jumped, startled, and separated sheepishly.
"Leave it to Mother to ruin our moment," Spinelli muttered angrily.
"I take that back," T.J. agreed. "The only thing that'll keep us apart is our parents."
______________________________________________________________
T.J. would never in his entire lifetime forget that moment. He had confessed to Spinelli his deepest secret and in return had almost experienced the second kiss in his life. He now knew that there was hope - hope that someday soon Ashley Spinelli would become more than a friend to him.
Or was she already? It was hard for T.J. to say. To him, the chemistry from her seemed almost identically the same, although he sensed a new twist. A weak twist.
T.J. knew Spinelli hated flimsy, weak girly-girls and wanted never to be one, but T.J. had noticed a slight change in her when he was near her. She didn't act passive by any means, and it was hard for T.J. to put his finger exactly on her change. Eventually he concluded that he sensed the change in her because she wasn't always strong all the time, and during the times when she wasn't, she needed someone to be strong for her. T.J. knew that Spinelli had finally given him this opportunity, and he relished it.
T.J. no longer cared what people would think of him because he had prematurely fallen in love. At that moment in time, the only two things he cared about were Ashley Spinelli, and winning her from his enemy.
Speaking of his enemy, King Alex was quiet these days. T.J. figured he was planning strategy, but he couldn't be too certain. King Alex was a draw-bag, and T.J. hoped that this time he'd get a good prize.
______________________________________________________________
The first feeling Ashley Spinelli had when she woke up that ominous Friday morning that she had gone back to her old habit of wetting her bed. She sat up, her bed sheets damp, and realized that she was drenched in a cold sweat. Oh yes, she was definitely afraid.
What was going to happen to T.J.? What was going to happen to her? Was the beginning between T.J. and herself coming to an abrupt ending? Spinelli hoped not, although she knew hoping was a petty thing.
No, it wouldn't be hope that would deliver her and T.J. from the clutches of King Alex. Everything now rested on T.J. Detweiler's shoulders, and everything was too much for the two of them to lose.
Another thought found its way into Spinelli's mind. What about the rest of them? If T.J. lost, what kind of torture would Alex get away with putting her friends through? Spinelli couldn't help but feel that the events leading up to the battle were all her fault, just because Alex was in "love" with her.
That was another thing all by itself. Jenna had said something with much dignity about Alex "being nuts" for her. Part of Spinelli wouldn't believe it, but part of her saw the logic behind the thinking that Jenna claimed was also T.J.'s. Spinelli knew how people could be; they expressed their love in forms of hate. And hadn't Alex been compassionate toward her once or twice. Spinelli inwardly knew that Alex wasn't a bad person, he was just… misguided.
A lot like her. In her own way, Spinelli was a lost child desperately searching for someone to latch herself onto so that she wouldn't become a nobody in her future. What better person to cling to than T.J.? The boy was definitely going places, that was for sure. He had big dreams, and all the better, bigger ways to make those dreams reality.
I wonder if I'm one of his dreams, Spinelli found herself pondering, as she stared at herself in the mirror. And if I am, will he have enough ambition to make me his reality? He'd said it, she knew. He'd said he loved her, and she couldn't ask for more.
Actually, she thought, smiling sorrowfully, I'd make it so my mom didn't interrupt us… Of all the crazy, messed-up things that had gone before in the year, Spinelli only knew one thing: her love for T.J. was no longer unrequited.
______________________________________________________________
T.J., Spinelli, Jenna, and Mikey walked to school together the next day, early enough so that they'd have enough time to talk over T.J.'s strategy. The fight was not to be a fist fight by any means. It was Spinelli who had given them the idea of arm-wrestling to determine the winner. Both parties, T.J. and King Alex, agreed, because neither of them wanted to get expelled for fighting again.
In all honesty, T.J. didn't have a strategy. It was arm-wrestling. There was no way to have a strategy, save for using all of one's strength to push down the opponent's hand to the table.
He felt lucky, though, to have the master of arm-wrestlers on his team. Spinelli talked his ear off the whole way to school (to T.J. she seemed a little more than nervous) about the different techniques of arm-wrestling and which worked the best for her, when T.J. gently put his hand on her shoulder and asked her if he could just beat Alex his own way.
He could tell it calmed her, just his touch, and it felt nice to be cared for in the style that Spinelli was at this very moment. He knew, instantly at that pivotal moment in time, that things were changed between himself and Spinelli. They were no longer just friends.
He thought the same for Jenna and Mikey, whom he caught giving each other sideways glances the whole way to school. It made him want to smile, want to congratulate the both of them on finally knowing just how he felt when he thought about Spinelli. It was adolescence for the four of them, and no matter what, they'd be there for each other to face it together.
The four entered the playground, meeting Gretchen and Gus by the picnic tables. Vince arrived a few minutes later, and the seven of them sat together in silence for a few minutes before T.J. finally spoke.
"I guess this is it, huh? No turning back after this." The group murmured their replies, and there was silence again between them for the next moment.
"Good luck, T.J.," Jenna said softly.
"We're all pulling for you," Vince assured.
"We know you can do it," Gus piped.
"Win or lose, we'll know you've done your best," Gretchen added.
"And you'll still be our leader no matter what," Mikey agreed.
"And you'll still be our friend," Spinelli concluded, with a warm smile, a loving sparkle in her dark eyes. Then there was silence again. There was nothing left to be said.
______________________________________________________________
King Alex, Irwin Lawson, and Randall Weems arrived together a few minutes later, but since the arm-wrestling match was not until the 10 am recess, they headed to the throne.
Alex fully realized, as he sat down, that this could possibly be his last time sitting on the throne. Not that he was really worried, because he was positive he could beat T.J. Detweiler without difficulty, and certain he could even beat Spinelli.
"Your highness, what would you like us to do with Detweiler and his friends after he loses?" Randall asked.
"I haven't won yet," Alex snapped softly.
"Sorry sir, but are you having doubts that you-"
"I am having no such thoughts! I've won, but it isn't official yet," Alex rephrased. Lawson grinned.
"So what do you want us to do with them?" Randall probed.
"For starters, I want Platt to become the personal slave of either of you. You can fight over her."
"Dibs!" Lawson called before Randall could speak.
"Very good, Irwin," Alex praised dully. "That dorky kid with the crewcut and the big one you can let be. They're both too weak to think for themselves, and they fully rely on Detweiler."
"And the others?" Randall pressed.
"Grundler, that smart one, I want you to make sure that she's assigned to work with the office boy and is not seen on my playground for the rest of the year. Make the jock become one of my bodyguards."
Randall rubbed his hands together. "And what about Detweiler and Spinelli?"
"I want you to hold Detweiler in captivity and make sure he isn't released from the dungeon I made for him until recess is over." Alex grinned nastily. "As for Spinelli, I'll do what I like with her."
"Which would be what?" Lawson asked.
"I'm going to make her love me," Alex said evilly. "Somehow, I'll make her fall so madly in love with me she won't be able to stand it." Lawson and Randall exchanged disgusted glances. Since Alex had been on the throne, the two who had once been enemies had become good friends.
"This is going to be sweet," Lawson cackled.
"Well said, Irwin," Alex agreed.
______________________________________________________________
Ten o'clock recess rolled around on that overcast Friday. T.J. and company were the first ones at the picnic tables where the contest was to be held, following them closely was the mass of kids who were eager to watch the competition. Five minutes into recess, Alex, flanked by Lawson and Randall, arrived late in a cocky manner.
"Alright, Detweiler," Alex said. "I'll make it painless for you. You can give up now, without the shame of losing."
"Giving up now is more shameful that losing," T.J. growled determinedly, propping his right elbow up on the table.
"Then I do believe this match will continue," Alex replied.
"I'm ready," T.J. agreed. "Let's get it on." The boys locked hands. Lawson and Spinelli had been chosen by their teams to serve as joint referees.
"Go!" they shouted together, and almost immediately, everyone thought it was over.
Alex had pushed T.J.'s arm almost completely to the table. Horrorstruck, the kids on T.J.'s side held their breath. Mikey, who was perplexed at the sight, suddenly felt someone's tiny hand slip into his own. He glanced at Jenna, whose hand he was now holding, and smiled despite his fear.
Meanwhile, T.J. was struggling, but he wasn't giving up. This was to be the most important battle in his life. The prize was something he wanted and loved more than life itself. He thought of Spinelli, standing to his left, watching worriedly, and how he loved her anyway she was. With renewed energy, T.J. fought back and had pushed Alex's arm into the starting position.
Here they remained, both pushing with all their strength, for several minutes, until T.J. could feel his arm starting to give. It wouldn't be long, if he didn't strike quickly, before he went down.
With his final burst of energy, T.J. gritted his teeth and slowly but surely pushed Alex's arm toward his side of the table. He could feel Alex's returned struggle, but Alex's strength couldn't suppress T.J.'s mad desire to win. With one final push from T.J., it was all over.
The cheers went up from all around the picnic table as Alex's arm was flattened against the table. "T.J., you did it!" T.J. heard Spinelli scream amidst the other noise, and stared disbelievingly at his right arm. He'd done it. He'd won. The rule of the playground was his, but more importantly, he'd saved Spinelli.
He felt Spinelli grab his wrist and pull his right arm into the air, increasing the volume of the cheers from the kids gathered around increased. Standing up, T.J. raised his other arm before wrapping Spinelli into a tender embrace. He looked into her chocolate brown eyes, shining with more happiness than he'd ever seen, and was just about to kiss her when he felt himself being raised into the air.
Mikey Blumberg was putting T.J. and Spinelli onto his shoulders, while the kids just screamed louder. Alex watched, half bitterly, half disbelievingly, as T.J. accepted the crown and the rule of the playground while seated atop the shoulders of one of his best friends.
The torrent of kids formed a parade as they followed Mikey, still serving as a chair for T.J. and Spinelli, back to the throne. As the kids watched, their cheers still not silencing, T.J. Detweiler took the throne.
"I'm so happy for you, T.J.," Spinelli whispered softly, barely audible through the noise.
"I'm so happy for us, Spin," he replied. "Cause, if you want to, I want to make you the queen." Spinelli looked up at him, a bright sparkle shining in her eyes.
"For real?"
"Would I lie?"
"I dunno. Would you?" she asked jokingly. Instead of replying, he just leaned in toward her, trying once again to kiss her.
"No way," Gretchen's voice came. "This isn't what I think it is, is it?"
T.J. and Spinelli just smiled. "We found a pot of gold at the end of our rainbow," T.J. explained, and then, without interruption this time, the two closed their eyes, their lips met, and they shared their second ever kiss, producing smiles from their friends and (almost) all that saw them.
"This really is a fairy tale, isn't it?" Spinelli commented after she broke away from T.J.
"Yes, Spinderella," T.J. replied lovingly. Spinelli broke out into a huge grin. Yes, everything was going to be okay.
THE END OF THE BEGINNING
© KD WILD 2001. All Rights Reserved.